As a family that loves exploring new flavors, we’ve recently fallen in love with tomato slice chaat—a delightful street food from Bangalore that’s both tasty and vegan-friendly.
It’s one of those dishes that feels like a special treat, yet it’s packed with wholesome ingredients.
If you’ve been craving something different that’s easy to prepare at home, let us share how you can make this flavorful snack.
Trust us; it’s a hit with both kids and adults!
Why We Love This Recipe
As a family, we’re always excited to try street foods from different cultures, and tomato slice chaat has become a favorite.
It’s not only delicious but also a fun way to get everyone involved in assembling their own toppings. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
How to Make Tomato Slice Chaat at Home
Making tomato slice chaat is simpler than you might think. The key is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready so that assembling the dish is a breeze. Let’s walk through the steps together.
Ingredients
For the Chaat:
3 medium tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, grated
2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
1/4 cup sev (crunchy chickpea noodles)
1/4 cup salted puffed rice
1/4 cup masala peanuts (or roasted peanuts)
1/2 teaspoon chaat masala powder
1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Chutneys:
2 tablespoons green chutney (coriander-mint chutney)
2 tablespoons tamarind chutney (imli chutney)
Note: You can use store-bought chutneys or make them at home ahead of time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Veggies
- Onions and Carrots: Finely chop the onion and grate the carrot. Chop the coriander leaves. Set them aside in separate bowls.
- Step 2: Slice the Tomatoes
- Tomatoes: Wash and pat dry the tomatoes. Slice them into round discs about 1/4-inch (approximately 3 mm) thick. Arrange the slices on a large serving plate or platter.
- Step 3: Season the Tomatoes
- Seasoning: Sprinkle the salt and chaat masala powder evenly over the tomato slices. This adds a nice tangy flavor to the base.
- Step 4: Add the Chutneys
- Green Chutney: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of green chutney onto each tomato slice.
- Tamarind Chutney: Follow with 1/2 teaspoon of tamarind chutney on each slice. You can adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.
- Step 5: Layer the Veggies
- Onions: Sprinkle the chopped onions generously over the tomato slices.
- Carrots: Add a layer of grated carrots on top.
- Coriander Leaves: Garnish with chopped coriander leaves for a fresh touch.
- Step 6: Drizzle Lemon Juice
- Lemon Juice: Drizzle the fresh lemon juice evenly over the assembled tomato slices to enhance the flavors.
- Step 7: Add Crunchy Toppings
- Sev: Sprinkle the sev generously over the top.
- Salted Puffed Rice: Add the salted puffed rice, distributing it evenly.
- Masala Peanuts: Finish with the masala peanuts for an extra crunch.
- Step 8: Serve Immediately
- Enjoy: Your tomato slice chaat is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it immediately to keep the textures crisp and fresh.
Tips for Making the Best Tomato Slice Chaat
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the quantity of chutneys and spices based on your family’s preference.
- Last-Minute Assembly: Add the salted puffed rice and sev just before serving to keep them from getting soggy.
- Homemade Chutneys: If you have time, making your own chutneys can enhance the flavors. Prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge.
- Spice Level: If you’re making this for kids or prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of green chutney or use a milder version.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Masala Peanuts: If you can’t find masala peanuts, roasted peanuts work just as well.
- Chaat Masala Powder: This spice mix adds a unique tangy flavor, but if unavailable, a mix of roasted cumin powder and a squeeze of extra lemon juice can be a makeshift substitute.
- Sev: Thin sev is traditional, but you can use crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions in a pinch (just check they’re vegan!).
Final Thoughts
Tomato slice chaat is a delightful snack that’s both easy to make and satisfying to eat. It’s perfect for a light lunch, an afternoon snack, or even as an appetizer when you have guests over.
So why not give it a try? Gather the family in the kitchen, and enjoy creating and tasting this flavorful dish together. We promise it will be a hit!
You may also like our recipe for making tomato pickle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the tomato slice chaat in advance?
It’s best to assemble the chaat just before serving to keep the toppings crisp. You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately.
What other toppings can I add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add diced cucumbers, boiled chickpeas, or pomegranate seeds for extra flavor and nutrition.
Is tomato slice chaat gluten-free?
Most ingredients are gluten-free, but check the sev packaging as some brands may include gluten. Look for gluten-free sev or substitute with a gluten-free crunchy topping.
